John Milton (1608-1674). Milton wrote many of his poems, including Il Penseroso and L'Allegro, whilst living at Horton (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."
The last 3 lines are particularly well-known, though rarely in context. The literary devices present in the poem are metaphor in the first line, alliteration in the second line, pun in the third line, and personification in line eight.
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